When your little ones are battling illness, the instinct to provide natural comfort and healing becomes paramount. Shaylene Benson, a dedicated mother who recently navigated the challenging experience of caring for all three of her daughters suffering from severe respiratory symptoms, including cough, runny nose, fever, and congestion, has shared her time-tested approach to natural healing.

Her youngest daughter, Rosie, was diagnosed with RSV and required medical intervention with a steroid shot, demonstrating how natural remedies can work alongside professional medical care. Shaylene’s philosophy centers on “teaching my little ones the power of organic foods, rest, recovery, and prayer,” creating a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional healing.

Here are the 8 specific methods Shaylene uses to help heal sick kids at home, each backed by traditional wisdom and a modern understanding of natural wellness.

A comprehensive guide based on Shaylene Benson’s proven methods for caring for sick children

1. Elevate One Side of the Crib Mattress to Help Drain Mucus

One of the most practical and immediate remedies Shaylene Benson employs is elevating one side of the crib mattress. This simple positioning technique helps gravity work in favor of mucus drainage, providing relief from congestion that can make breathing and sleeping difficult for sick children.

How It Works: When children lie flat, mucus can pool in their sinuses and respiratory tract, worsening congestion and coughing. By creating a gentle incline, you encourage natural drainage while maintaining comfort for sleep.

Implementation Tips:

Place a rolled towel or small pillow under one end of the mattress
Ensure the elevation is gentle (about 15-30 degrees)
Always maintain crib safety standards
Monitor your child to ensure they remain comfortable

The Science Behind It: Postural drainage has been used in respiratory therapy for decades. The elevated position helps thin secretions move more easily through the respiratory system, reducing the buildup that causes discomfort and breathing difficulties.

2. Add Eucalyptus Essential Oil to Diffuser for Nasal Congestion

Shaylene Benson incorporates eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser to help combat nasal congestion. This aromatic approach provides respiratory support through inhalation therapy, making breathing easier for congested children.

Benefits of Eucalyptus:

Natural decongestant properties
Anti-inflammatory effects on respiratory passages
Antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection
The soothing aroma that promotes relaxation

Safe Usage for Children:

Use only 1-2 drops in a diffuser for young children
Ensure adequate room ventilation
Never apply essential oils directly to children’s skin
Keep the diffuser out of reach and run for limited periods

Important Safety Note: While eucalyptus can be beneficial when properly diffused, essential oils require careful handling around children. Always consult with a pediatrician before using aromatherapy for sick children, especially those under 2 years old.

3. Natural Chest Rub Applied to the Bottom of Feet and Chest

A cornerstone of Shaylene’s approach is using natural chest rubs, applied strategically to the bottom of their feet and chest area. This method combines the benefits of natural ingredients with reflexology principles.

Why the Bottom of Feet? The soles of feet contain numerous nerve endings and are highly absorbent. Many natural health practitioners believe that applying remedies to feet allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream while avoiding sensitive facial areas.

Application Method:

Use gentle, circular motions
Apply to clean, dry skin
Cover feet with socks after application to prevent slipping
Reapply as needed throughout the day

Natural Chest Rub Ingredients Typically Include:

Coconut oil as a base
Eucalyptus oil for respiratory support
Lavender for calming effects
Peppermint for cooling sensation (use sparingly with young children)

4. Clear the Air Essential Oil (Peppermint Oil)

Shaylene Benson uses peppermint oil as a “Clear the Air” treatment, recognizing its powerful decongestant properties. Peppermint contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation and can help open breathing passages.

Benefits of Peppermint Oil:

Natural bronchodilator effects
Cooling sensation that provides immediate relief
Antimicrobial properties
Mental clarity and alertness promotion

Safe Application Methods:

Diffuse in well-ventilated areas
Add 1-2 drops to a bowl of steaming water for steam therapy
Never use directly on children under 3 years old
Always dilute properly when using topically

Steam Therapy Technique: Create a gentle steam treatment by adding peppermint oil to hot water and then having older children breathe the steam (always with adult supervision and at a safe distance).

5. Light Clothing to Bring Down Fever (No Socks Since Socks Trap Heat)

Temperature regulation is crucial when children have fevers, and Shaylene’s approach emphasizes allowing the body to naturally cool itself through proper clothing choices.

The Logic Behind Light Clothing:

Allows heat to escape from the body’s surface
Prevents overheating that can worsen fever
Maintains comfort while supporting natural temperature regulation
Enables better monitoring of skin temperature and color

Specific Guidelines:

Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton
Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat
Remove excess layers, including socks and heavy sleepwear
Keep feet bare or use light, breathable footwear only when necessary

When to Seek Medical Attention: While natural fever management can be effective, high fevers (over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months or 102°F in older children) require medical evaluation.

6. Ancient Sea Salt and Lemon Natural Remedy

One of Shaylene’s most intriguing remedies combines ancient sea salt with lemon, creating a natural treatment that addresses multiple aspects of illness recovery.

Benefits of Sea Salt:

Rich in minerals that support immune function
Natural antibacterial properties
Helps maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance
Traditional use for respiratory health

Benefits of Lemon:

High vitamin C content for immune support
Natural antibacterial and antiviral properties
Helps alkalize the body
A pleasant taste that encourages fluid intake

Preparation and Use:

Mix a pinch of high-quality sea salt with fresh lemon juice
Add to warm water to create a soothing drink
It can be used as a gentle gargle for older children (with supervision)
Provides natural electrolyte replacement during illness

7. Detox Bath for Deep Cleansing

The detox bath remains a central component of Shaylene’s healing protocol, using the power of warm water and natural additives to support the body’s detoxification processes.

Shaylene’s Detox Bath Recipe:

1 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup bentonite clay
10 drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus

How Detox Baths Work:

Warm water opens pores and promotes circulation
Epsom salt provides magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation and immune function
Bentonite clay acts as a natural detoxifier
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the skin’s pH

Safety Modifications for Children:

Reduce essential oil amounts significantly (2-3 drops maximum)
Test water temperature carefully
Limit bath time to 15-20 minutes
Ensure the child stays hydrated during the bath
Monitor for any skin irritation

8. Tea Tree Oil for Natural Healing

The final method in Shaylene Benson 8-way approach is the strategic use of tea tree oil, a powerful natural remedy with well-documented antimicrobial and healing properties.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil:

Potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties
A natural antiseptic that can help prevent secondary infections
Anti-inflammatory effects that support healing
Respiratory support when used in aromatherapy

Safe Application Methods for Children:

Add 1-2 drops to a diffuser for respiratory support
It can be included in detox baths (as shown in Shaylene’s recipe)
Always dilute properly – never use undiluted on children’s skin
Ensure good ventilation when diffusing

Important Safety Considerations:

Tea tree oil is potent and must be used with extreme caution around children:

Never apply directly to skin without proper dilution
Keep out of reach of children
Do not ingest
Start with minimal amounts to test tolerance
Discontinue use if any irritation occurs

Integration with Other Methods: As shown in Shaylene’s detox bath recipe, tea tree oil works synergistically with other natural ingredients like Epsom salt and bentonite clay to create a comprehensive healing treatment.

Combining Natural Healing with Medical Care

Shaylene’s experience with her daughter Rosie’s RSV treatment illustrates the importance of integrating natural remedies with appropriate medical intervention. When Rosie required a steroid shot from the doctor, Shaylene Benson continued her natural support methods alongside conventional treatment.

Key Principles for Safe Integration:

Always consult healthcare providers about serious symptoms
Use natural remedies as supportive, not replacement, therapy
Monitor children closely for changes in condition
Be prepared to seek immediate medical care when necessary
Keep healthcare providers informed about natural remedies being used

Additional Care Instructions from Shaylene’s Approach

Beyond the 8 core methods, Shaylene emphasizes two crucial aspects of caring for sick children:

Immune-Boosting Natural Remedy for Caregivers

Shaylene Benson demonstrates taking her own immune-boosting remedy made with:

Garlic – powerful antimicrobial properties
Ginger – anti-inflammatory and digestive support
Onion – natural antihistamine and respiratory support
Honey – antimicrobial and soothing properties
Water – proper hydration base

Preparation Method:

Combine minced fresh garlic, ginger, and onion
Mix with raw, unfiltered honey
Add warm water to create a therapeutic drink
Take regularly to support immune function while caring for sick children

The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers

In her essential reminder, Shaylene Benson emphasizes: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself while caring for your kids.” This wisdom recognizes that effective caregiving requires maintaining your own health and well-being.

Why Caregiver Health Matters:

Prevents the spread of illness within the family
Maintains energy needed for round-the-clock care
Supports emotional stability during stressful times
Models healthy behaviors for children
Ensures you can provide the best care possible

Self-Care Strategies for Parents of Sick Children:

Take the same immune-boosting remedies you give your children
Maintain proper nutrition and hydration
Get rest whenever possible, even if in short intervals
Accept help from family and friends when offered
Practice stress management through prayer, meditation, or deep breathing
Wash hands frequently to prevent the spreading illness
Monitor your own symptoms and seek care if needed

Safety Considerations and When to Seek Medical Help

While Shaylene’s natural approaches can provide significant comfort and support during a childhood illness, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical intervention is necessary.

Seek immediate medical attention for:

High fever, especially in infants
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, reduced urination)
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Unusual lethargy or difficulty waking
Worsening symptoms despite treatment
Any concerning changes in your child’s condition

Conclusion: A Mother’s Wisdom in Action

Shaylene Benson’s 8 natural healing methods represent a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to supporting children through illness. Her emphasis on combining organic nutrition, rest, natural remedies, and spiritual support creates a holistic framework that addresses both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

The key to successfully implementing these methods lies in understanding that they work best as part of a broader approach that includes appropriate medical care when needed. Shaylene’s experience with RSV treatment for Rosie demonstrates this balanced perspective perfectly.

Each of these 8 methods – from elevating the crib mattress to creating immune-boosting natural remedies – offers parents practical tools for supporting their children’s natural healing processes. When combined with adequate rest, proper nutrition, and loving care, these approaches can provide significant comfort and support during illness.

As Shaylene Bensone continues to pray for her daughters’ complete recovery, her experience serves as both inspiration and practical guidance for parents seeking natural ways to support their children’s health. The combination of ancient wisdom, natural ingredients, and modern understanding creates a powerful toolkit for childhood wellness.

Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one family may need adjustment for another. The most important elements in any healing approach are safety, love, and the wisdom to know when natural remedies need to be supplemented with professional medical care.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a pediatrician before implementing new health practices for your children, especially during illness. The methods described are based on traditional and natural health practices and should be used with appropriate caution and medical oversight.

8 Ways to Heal Sick Kids at Home by Shaylene Benson